Novel Novice

The Future of Novel Novice

Well hello there, strangers. Long time, no see … You’ve probably noticed that it’s been pretty quiet around here for a few months now. I have no big news to reveal as to the reason for that. I simply … burned out. If you’re a regular here, you know I’ve been feeling this for a couple years now, but have also been struggling with whether to continue this blog or not. The last year has certainly…

Isn’t It Bromantic? by Lyssa Kay Adams

Finally! The Russian gets his own book, and it might be my favorite Bromance Book Club book to date. I feel like I say that every time author Lyssa Kay Adams releases a new book in this fantastic series, but each new chapter continues to dazzle and delight me — and I absolutely adored Vlad and Elena’s childhood friendship turned modern marriage of convenience saga. There is SO MUCH to dive into…

Hot Under His Collar by Andie J. Christopher

I usually try and read my review books in order of release date, but sometimes, an ARC or e-galley lands in my lap and any self control goes out the window. Such was the case when Berkley Romance granted me “wish” to read an early digital ARC of Hot Under His Collar by Andie J. Christopher, a book I feel as if I’ve been waiting for from the first moment we met Father Patrick in Not the Girl You…

While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory

Another perfect Jasmine Guillory romance! Two people realize that it’s no longer an act when they veer off-script in this sizzling romantic comedy by New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory. Ben Stephens has never bothered with serious relationships. He has plenty of casual dates to keep him busy, family drama he’s trying to ignore and his advertising job to focus on. When Ben lands a…

Sophie’s Seashell Scramble (Book Review)

Many thanks to Candlewick Press for the review copy of Sophie’s Seashell Scramble by Educational Insights. Sophie the otter needs help finding seashells with matching patterns in a lift-the-flap board book based on a best-selling children’s game. Down on the ocean floor, Sophie the otter is collecting pairs of seashells. She’s hoping to find two of each kind–purple shells covered in triangles,…

The Devil and the Heiress by Harper St. George

Many thanks to Berkley Romance for the review copy of The Devil and the Heiress by Harper St. George. Sparks fly when a runaway heiress bargains with a devilish rogue to escape a marriage of convenience. No one would guess that beneath Violet Crenshaw’s ladylike demeanor lies the heart of a rebel. American heiresses looking to secure English lords must be on their best behavior, but Violet has…

How to Apologize by David LaRochelle & illus. by Mike Wohnoutka

Many thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy of How to Apologize, which I suspect is going to be a book we read A LOT as the twins get older. From the team behind See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog comes a funny and handy guide that explains just how (and how not!) to say “I’m sorry.” Wouldn’t the world be a better place if everyone knew how to apologize? Luckily, this humorous guidebook is…

Love Scenes by Bridget Morrissey

Thanks to Berkley Romance for the advanced digital review copy of Love Scenes by Bridget Morrissey. Acting like she’s in love with her handsome nightmare of a co-star—in a movie directed and produced by her complicated Hollywood royalty family—is Sloane’s job. But what happens when the lines between script and reality get blurred? Out-of-work actress Sloane Ford is in desperate need of something…

Very Sincerely Yours by Kerry Winfrey

Thanks to Berkley Romance for providing a digital review copy of Very Sincerely Yours by Kerry Winfrey. Read on for the official synopsis and my thoughts. A charming and heartwarming new romantic comedy by the acclaimed author of Waiting for Tom Hanks, Kerry Winfrey. Teddy Phillips never thought she would still be spending every day surrounded by toys at almost thirty years old. But working at a…

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

Do you ever read a book that you think is a really good book, but it just doesn’t do it for you? That was the case for me and One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston. For cynical twenty-three-year-old August, moving to New York City is supposed to prove her right: that things like magic and cinematic love stories don’t exist, and the only smart way to go through life is alone. She can’t imagine how…

Thanks to Berkley Romance for providing a digital review copy of The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary. Here is the synopsis & read on for my thoughts: Two exes reach a new level of awkward when forced to take a road trip together in this endearing and humorous novel by the author of the international bestseller The Flatshare. What if the end of the road is just the beginning? Four years ago, Dylan and…

Hang the Moon by Alexandria Bellefleur

Do you want to feel happy? Then read this book: Hang the Moon by Alexandria Bellefleur. (And while you’re at it, start with Written in the Stars, the first book in this series of standalone romances.) In a delightful follow-up to Written in the Stars, Alexandria Bellefleur delivers another #ownvoices queer rom-com about a hopeless romantic who vows to show his childhood crush that romance isn’t…

Playing the Palace by Paul Rudnick

Playing the Palace by Paul Rudnick comes out May 25th from Berkley Romance, who provided me with a digital review copy. Here’s the official synopsis & my review is below. When a lonely American event planner starts dating the gay Prince of Wales, a royal uproar ensues: is it true love or the ultimate meme? Find out in this hilarious romantic comedy. After having his heart trampled on by his…

Cover + Title Reveal: The Roommate Risk by Talia Hibbert

Today, I’m delighted to be helping reveal the cover & new title for The Roommate Risk by Talia Hibbert, which was previously published as Wanna Bet? For the last couple years, I’ve been slowly working my way through Talia’s backlist & recently devoured this one and friends, I LOVED it. “Friends to lovers” stories are some of my absolute favorites, and this one was truly spectacular. Funny, deep,…

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Look, I’m a sucker for a good friends-to-lovers romance, but sometimes a book just tackles this trope so damn well, I’m left a little breathless. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry left me a little breathless. Poppy and Alex. Alex and Poppy. They have nothing in common. She’s a wild child; he wears khakis. She has insatiable wanderlust; he prefers to stay home with a book. And somehow,…

Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin

Today’s review is for the new rom-com Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin. Thanks to Berkley Romance for the advanced digital review copy. From the author of Ayesha at Last comes a sparkling new rom-com for fans of “You’ve Got Mail,” set in two competing halal restaurants Sales are slow at Three Sisters Biryani Poutine, the only halal restaurant in the close-knit Golden Crescent…

You Were Made For Me: Blog Tour Playlist + Giveaway

Welcome to the You Were Made for Me Blog Tour! To celebrate the release of You Were Made for Me by Jenna Guillaume on April 1st, blogs across the web are featuring original content from Jenna, as well as 10 chances to win the hardcover! You Were Made for Me Music Playlist by Jenna Guillaume I don’t often listen to music while I’m writing, but I do build a playlist as I work on a manuscript.…